General Outlook for Nurses
The outlook for individuals considering entering the nursing field is excellent. Registered nurses, or RN, comprise the largest number of health workers in the country. It will become registered nurses in a fast growing population of workers in all occupations over the next ten years.
Many registered nurses start their career in a hospital. This allows the nurse to become familiar with the various branches of medicine. Although there is a demand for hospital nurses, this area of nursing will remain relatively level over the next ten years.
Many health care experts predict an increase in demand for registered nurses in the nursing home setting. As Americans live longer, have more disposable income, and desire to stay home, nurses, which can monitor care and treatment in the home setting will be increasingly valuable.
Another area of nursing that will see an increase in growth is with nurses who continue their education with master's level work. With the rising costs of health care many families are using nurse practitioners and nurse midwives as a substitute for your primary care doctor.
Hospitals, too, are realizing the cost savings benefit of highly trained nurses, and many employ nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, doctors and nurses to keep their costs under control.
Not a Registered Nurse?
Job opportunities for licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, although positive, are not as strong as those of registered nurses. Licensed practical nurses will remain in demand, particularly in hospitals and long-term care.
Many licensed practical nurses continue their education to become employed as Rns. The responsibilities of an RN are larger, but also include more opportunities. Rns typically supervise LPN in a clinical setting, and the higher skill level allows more options for RN jobs.
RN or BSN?
The schooling required to become a registered nurse can be completed anywhere from two to four years. The course is very intensive and involves many clinical hours. A program completed in less than four years, however, will leave you with an RN, not a BSN or BA in nursing. A RN is fully qualified to do all the functions required of a registered nurse, depending on the state. Obviously, the addition of a Bachelor, has many benefits.
An RN with a bachelor's degree in nursing is an advantage when in administrative positions open at a hospital or clinic. Indeed, given the degree of supervision over state and federal healthcare facilities, many require a BSN for administrative, case management, and supervisory positions.
If you are thinking about working on his master, or as a nurse anesthetist, nurse, or teach, you must have a bachelor's degree. While not all programs will mandate that should be his bachelor's degree in nursing, is certainly useful.
Considering a Career Switch?
Nursing is an excellent opportunity for people looking to move to another career. With the high demand for nurses, many potential workers, including hospitals, will pay for most or all of their schooling. Even if you have to pay the bills for your education first, signing bonuses, combined with the virtual guarantee of a job after graduation, takes much of the risk of a career switch.
Another attractive because of the nursing profession is attractive tuition reimbursement plans offered by many employers. These offerings, combined with the change of flexible programming, available in many hospitals and care to make a go of LPN to RN, the RN to BSN and the acquisition of a master in your desired specialty without heavy student loans or a disruption of your income.
The Future of Nursing
It is clear that all professional nurses will continue to grow over the next ten years. Nursing is an excellent career option for those who wish to make a good income, have a flexible schedule, and continue their education. While the hours can be long, and physical labor, a nurse quality should never find themselves without their choice of jobs.
While long hours and physical demands of work may scare some people away, many are attracted to the flexibility, fast paced environment, and ability to help others. For those concerned about the rigors of a career in nursing, there are many positions available in private doctor's offices, public schools, less stress and other environments. Nursing is in a clinical or administrative work is a great demand.